The Nigerian Navy destroyed a reactivated illegal refinery in Okolomade Community, Rivers State on Saturday, as part of Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH acted on intelligence that a previously dismantled refinery had resumed operations.
An Anti-Crude Oil Theft (Anti-COT) team discovered rebuilt refining ovens, additional equipment, and storage facilities holding about 3,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
The Navy destroyed ovens, storage tanks, hoses, and metal components in line with operational procedures.
Captain AA Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, said, “This operation demonstrates our commitment to intensifying actions against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering across Nigeria’s maritime domain.”
The Navy emphasized that such intelligence-led operations are vital to protecting the country’s critical oil infrastructure.
“We remain dedicated to dismantling illegal refining networks and safeguarding Nigeria’s energy resources,” Folorunsho added.
Operation DELTA SENTINEL continues to target illegal refining sites and crude oil theft, reinforcing national security and revenue protection in the nation’s waterways.
